Commissioner of Education William L. Librera today recognized 15 outstanding
college graduates who participated in teacher education programs. The
teachers, who were selected as recipients of the 2002 Commissioners
Distinguished Teacher Candidate awards, were identified as outstanding
candidates for the teaching profession by their college presidents.

"It is vitally important for us to do all we can to encourage bright
and talented individuals to teach in our schools," said Commissioner
Librera. "The Distinguished Teacher Candidate Awards is our opportunity
to thank these outstanding young people for setting their sights on a
career in education.

"I wish our candidates well as they begin to practice the art and
science of teaching," Dr. Librera continued. "I hope they will
have long and prosperous careers in the classroom."

Now in its 17th year, the Distinguished Teacher Candidate
Awards identifies, honors and encourages the top graduates of approved
college teacher education programs in New Jersey. Since 1985, the presidents
of New Jersey colleges and universities have nominated their top teacher
education students for the awards. Commissioner Librera recognized the
work of a seven-member panel of educators that selected the award recipients
(See attached list of panel members).

The 15 students honored today are recent graduates or will soon graduate
from the following New Jersey colleges and universities: Caldwell College,
College of Saint Elizabeth, Montclair State University, Princeton University,
Rider University, Rowan University, Rutgers University, Seton Hall University
and the College of New Jersey.

Attached is biographical information on the award recipients, who were
recognized today at a special ceremony at the Department of Education.
For more information about the Commissioners Distinguished Teacher
Candidate program, contact Nancy Weiss, the program administrator in the
Department of Educations Office of Innovative Programs and Practices.